By Rosalind Russell – The Anishinabek Nation has a new Grand Council Chief.
Linda Debassige defeated Reg Niganobe in a traditional Stand-up Election 28-9 today during the Grand Council Assembly being held in Sudbury.
According to officials, this historic vote marks the first-ever Anishabekwe Grand Council Chief for the Anishnabek Nation.
Debassige says she looks forward to following the footsteps of the great leaders who served before her, adding it’s time to rise up and rise together.
Debassige has served as chief of M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island for nearly a decade, previously serving as Political Advisor to former Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee.
The newly elected Deputy Grand Council Chief is Chris Plain after a 21-16 Stand-up Election against Melvin Hardy.
In the previous term, there were four Regional Deputy Grand Council Chiefs; however, in this election and moving forward, there will be one Deputy Grand Council Chief.
Photo 1: New Deputy Grand Council Chief Chris Plain Election- Photo by Ryan Peplinskie
Photo 2: The New Grand Council Chief of the Anishinabe Nation hails from Manitoulin Island and is a woman. Linda Debassige handily won the election yesterday. Photo by Ryan Peplinskie.
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